ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insistent

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈsɪstənt// UK //ɪnsˈɪstənt// in·sis·tent Archaic

adj. demanding something firmly and refusing to take 'no' for an answer. You use this to describe someone who keeps asking for something or a sound that will not stop.

adj. demanding something firmly or persistently; refusing to allow any alternative. Often describes a person's manner or a repetitive, unavoidable sound.


SIMPLE

She was insistent that we leave the party immediately.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite my repeated excuses, the salesman was insistent that I try the new software for a week.

COMPLEX

The insistent ringing of the telephone eventually broke through his deep sleep, forcing him to answer the call despite the late hour.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin insistens, participle of insisto.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'on' or a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

He was insistent to pay the billHe was insistent on paying the billInsistent is followed by the preposition 'on' and a gerund, not a 'to' infinitive.

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